Evaluation of Genes

• *P: Supported by research evidence

  E: Hans Brunner- analyzed the DNA of 28 male members of a Dutch family who had histories of impulsive and violent crimes such as rape and murder. Found that all men shared a particular variant of the MAOA gene that led to abnormally low levels of the MAOA enzyme

  E: Supports the idea that genes play a central, but indirect role in the regulation of our moods and ability to control behaviour.
• *P: Genetic engineering (MOMS)

  E: End reproductive capabilities of people carrying the defective criminal variants. However, this is highly unethical practice of eugenics used in America and by the Nazis. A more moderate application would be to remove defective criminal genes soon after fertilizations and replace them with non-defective gene.

  E: would mean that we eliminate criminality from gene pool and reduce the amount of criminals in society. Clear ethical and economic benefits (safer society, lower crime rates).
• Overall conclusion:

  • Genes seemed to be involved in contributing to CB but cannot be said to be the cause of it
  • Our society and legal system may be unwilling to accept that genes play a strong role in criminality. We expect criminals to be held morally responsible for their behaviour and would not accept "my genes made me do it" as a defense
  • When it comes to criminal behaviour we are still focused on it being an act of free will rather than biologically determined.